Latest KFF Health News Stories
Texas Judge Say Controversial Abortion Law Violates State Constitution
The Texas law, which bans abortions after six weeks and relies on private citizens to enforce the prohibitions, is also being reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Supreme Court Rejects Lawsuit Seeking To Block Air Travel Mask Mandate
The lawsuit had tried to argue against the federal air travel mask rule citing medical reasons but was dismissed Thursday by Supreme Court Justice John Roberts. Meanwhile, Amtrak executives said federal covid vaccine mandates mean it may lack staff to operate all its trains in January.
Men Who Vape Nicotine Have Twice Risk Of Erectile Dysfunction: Study
The results were found to hold true even for men (ages 20 to 65) who had no other health concerns or habits linked to ED. Separately, the Boston Globe reports on efforts to boost Medicaid coverage periods for new mothers to help tackle the high maternity death rate in the U.S.
Is Tailor-Made Vaccine For Omicron Needed? Experts Debate
Count Dr. Anthony Fauci among the health experts who are not yet sure an omicron-specific jab is necessary. And while some vaccine makers plan revamped versions, others think boosters of the original vaccines could be best.
Indiana Hospitals At Capacity Seek National Guard Help
Thirteen hospitals were reported to be at capacity with both covid and non-covid cases, and “several” more are expected to fill next week, so the local National Guard has been called in. Meanwhile, a nursing shortage in Kentucky has reached emergency levels, according to the governor.
2020’s Jump In Life Insurance Payouts Biggest Since 1918’s Flu Epidemic
In 1918 U.S. life insurer’s death payouts jumped 41% due to the flu and, though smaller than that, in 2020 death benefits surged up 15.4%, mostly due to the pandemic. The Washington Post covers the long-term career damage long covid is causing. Other covid news, including surges, are also reported.
Senate Delays Medicare Provider Cuts, Clears Way To Raise Debt Ceiling
Senators punted one round of impending cuts to Medicare providers to March 2022 while pushing another cut to 2023. Separately, the Senate approved legislation that paves the way to a simple majority vote on raising the debt ceiling. Other news from the Hill reports on the spending package still under negotiation.
Teens Ages 16-17 Can Now Get Pfizer Booster Shots
“Mixing and matching” is not an option for this group because Pfizer’s vaccine is the only one cleared for use in children under 18. At least six months must have passed since receiving a second Pfizer jab.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial pages tackle these public health issues.
Research Roundup: Cancer, Cataracts, Synthetic Tissue, Abortion And More
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
For All New Zealanders Younger Than 15, Smoking Will Never Be Allowed
New Zealand is planning to lift the legal age of tobacco purchasing year by year, so for people aged 14 and younger when the law goes into effect smoking will be forever banned. Meanwhile among other news, the U.K. tightens covid rules, and China “clamps down” on vasectomies.
Different Takes: World Must Unite In Covid Fight; Elderly At Risk From Omicron
Opinion writers weigh in on these covid issues.
California Positions To Be Abortion ‘Sanctuary’ In Face Of Roe Threats
News outlets cover moves by abortion providers, political leaders to make California a “sanctuary” for people seeking abortion, including financial and logistical support. Meanwhile, Ohio passes a “born alive” anti-abortion bill. Vox reports on why adoption isn’t a replacement for abortion.
Department Of Justice Says Iowa’s Lack Of Disabled Services Violates ADA
The DOJ’s “strong condemnation” of the state comes after a year-long investigation into provision of services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Meanwhile, in Minneapolis preterm births are linked to “heavy” policing, and reports say Wisconsin lacks therapists.
Nonprofit City Of Hope Buying Cancer Treatment Centers Of America
The deal is said to be worth $390 million. Stat notes City of Hope helped develop synthetic insulin and cancer drugs, and Cancer Treatment Centers of America has been criticized for aggressive marketing. Centene, Memorial Sloan Kettering and other health industry names are also in the news.
Allergan To Pay $200M To Settle With New York Over Opioid Crisis
The state’s attorney general announced the settlement yesterday. Allergan had been an opioid manufacturer and faced allegations that it helped fuel the opioid crisis. Meanwhile, the defense rests its case in the Elizabeth Holmes trial. Plus Aduhelm, gene therapy and asthma drugs are in the news.
Instagram Pressured By Senators Over Negative Impact On Youngsters
News outlets cover the appearance of Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri before a Senate panel investigating risks of social media harms for younger users, including questions over self-regulation and calls for multi-platform solutions. Other mental health matters are also in the news.
Pfizer Boosters For Older Teens Advances In FDA Review Process
The Food and Drug Administration determined that additional study by an advisory committee would not be required in reviewing a third Pfizer covid shot for those aged 16 and 17. News outlets report on other developments related to youth vaccines.
Unvaxxed Criticized For Creating Domino Effect Of Illness, Death
“The unvaccinated are … risking the lives of others who may die of preventable diseases who can’t get their needed health care,” said Dr. Marschall Runge, dean of the University of Michigan Medical School. As if to prove his point, new research finds that 703 deaths at nursing homes over a 10-week period this summer would’ve been prevented had more workers been vaccinated.